Solar Panels Cost $5.2k-$15k in Ingham County, MI | December, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Ingham County, MI in 2024?
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In the month of December, 2024 in Ingham County, MI you'll pay approximately $3.77 per watt to go solar.
So, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,770 to get your system installed in . When you consider the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to pay around $13,195 for a 5 kW system in Ingham County. However, a 5kW systemmay not be enough to fulfill your energy needs.
On the left-hand side, pick your county to determine the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on homes within your area. Displayed below is a breakdown of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Ingham County: $13,195US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Ingham County: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Ingham County: $10,188US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Ingham County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Ingham County.
Roof size 590sq. ft.
Capacity 8.25kW DC
Electricity 8.7kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Ingham County, MI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The typical electricity bill for a Ingham County resident is 120.99, with a monthly consumption of 637 kWh. Please note that this statistic includes apartments and smaller homes, which typically have reduced energy needs.
For December 2024, the mean electricity rate in Ingham County, MI is 18.99¢ per kWh.
Initially, a 6 kW setup is priced at $22,620, but after a 30% tax credit, you’re looking at a total of $15,834.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Ingham County
Displayed on the left and below is the price breakdown for different sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Ingham County. While a more extensive solar installation has a higher price, it also yields higher electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator to the right and below breaks down costs and benefits, using an average $120.99 electric bill in Ingham County Change the $120.99 to your average bill payment for custom results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $512 a year
Est. Price
$5,278
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,695 kWh
Est. monthly savings $43
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.37 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 63 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,395 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $768 a year
Est. Price
$7,917
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,043 kWh
Est. monthly savings $64
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 94 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,092 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,024 a year
Est. Price
$10,556
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,391 kWh
Est. monthly savings $85
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.74 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 126 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,789 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,280 a year
Est. Price
$13,195
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,739 kWh
Est. monthly savings $107
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.43 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 157 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 8,486 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,536 a year
Est. Price
$15,834
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,086 kWh
Est. monthly savings $121
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.89 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 179 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,624 mi less a year
Ingham County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. If you believe yourself eligible, we recommend utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.
Most residents can qualify for a 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a practical option in numerous areas of the United States. Along with that, there are several state and local efforts designed to further encourage the uptake of solar energy.
Michigan offers 17 solar rebate and incentive initiatives through different utilities and government agencies.
Solar incentives in MIIncentive Description Value
Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program
Value:Up to $30,000
Single-family homes or multifamily properties up to four units may be eligible for special financing on energy efficiency improvements through the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program (HELP). Eligible projects range from energy efficient lighting to new residential solar photovoltaic systems (up to 20 kW). Available principal for a HELP loan ranges from $1,000 to $30,000. Repayment plans range from 12 - 120 months. Interest rates will vary but typically range from 4.25 - 6.99%. To apply, proof of property ownership and standard credit checks are required. Applicants should have a minimum FICO credit score of 640, and a maximum debt to income ratio of 1:2. Additional information is available from the Michigan Saves website.
Michigan Saves - Business Energy Financing
Value:Up to $1,000,000
Small businesses, nonprofits, and owners of multifamily or public-sector buildings in Michigan may be eligible for special financing on energy efficiency improvements through the Michigan Saves Business Energy Financing Program (BEFP). BEFP loans carry special interest rates and repayment terms. Eligible projects range from energy efficient lighting to new solar, wind, or geothermal energy devices. Interested property owners may consult the Michigan Saves website for additional information and to download a pre-approval checklist. The website also contains a directory of lending partners that service BEFP loans.
Interconnection Standards
Value:Varies
Distributed generation and interconnection have been standardized by the Michigan Public Service Commission since 2003. Each energy system connected to the state grid will be assigned into one of five "categories" based on rated capacity. Systems at each level must follow recognized standards such as those set by IEEE or UL. Interconnection fees and application review turnaround will depend on the system's level. Customers must carry at least $1 million of liability insurance coverage on energy systems between 1 to 5 MW by law. Though external disconnect switches are not required centrally, utilities may request that they be installed prior to interconnection. After successful connection, customers will own any renewable energy credits they generate and may sell them to the utility at their discretion.
City of Ann Arbor - Green Power Purchasing
Value:Varies
The city of Ann Arbor is working toward a long-term goal of sourcing 100% of its energy from renewable means. Four initiatives support this goal, including community-choice power purchasing agreements, solar/wind system incentive programs, establishing community solar microgrids, and converting retired landfills into solar farms. Additional information is available from the Ann Arbor website.
Renewable Energy Standard
Value:Varies
Michigan requires private/municipal utilities and electric retailers/cooperatives to submit Renewable Energy Plans detailing their compliance with the state's portfolio standards. By 2021, 15% of each company's electricity should be sourced from renewable means. Eligible technologies include solar PV, wind, biomass, solid waste, and currently-operational hydroelectric systems (new hydro does not count toward the standard). Compliance is measured through a renewable energy credit system pegging electrical capacity to a dollar value. The standard law includes "bonus credit" provisions which a utility may earn for exceeding their standard quota or using an in-demand renewable technology. Additional information is available from the Michigan state website.
Refundable Payroll Tax Credit
Value:Varies
The NextEnergy Zone is located on the Wayne State University Detroit campus. The area is a Renaissance Zone, allowing renewable energy companies and institutions who locate inside to receive certain tax incentives. Incentives specific to the NextEnergy Zone include indirect payroll tax credits for a company's employees, provided they work directly with renewable energy manufacturing or R&D. Credit amount is equal to an employee's salary times their state income tax rate as a percentage. Should credit exceed liability, a refund will be issued for the remainder of the credit amount. Additional information is available through the NextEnergy Authority website.
Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF)
Value:Varies
The Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF) is a public benefits fund in Michigan. LIEEF is supported by the state's three largest power companies through monthly consumer surcharges. Rather than supporting incentive or rebate programs, LIEEF funding supports request-for-proposal programs and grant initiatives to support low-income Michiganders in adopting on-site renewable energy or making other energy efficiency improvements. Additional information is available from the Michigan Public Service Commission, which administers the fund.
City of Grand Rapids - Green Building Requirements for Municipal Buildings
Value:Varies
Grand Rapids has adopted a local green building ordinance for municipal facilities. New public buildings and remodeling projects which affect at least 10,000 square feet or cost $1 million must meet or exceed LEED Silver certification or an equivalent standard. Existing buildings should draft plans to implement LEED-friendly improvements and "best practices", including procuring ENERGY STAR certified appliances and building materials when necessary. Additional information is available from the city website.
Michigan Accelerating Technologies (MATch) Energy Grant
Value:Varies
Michigan Accelerating Technology (MAT) is a grant program managed by the state's NextEnergy authority. Through MAT, businesses and educational institutions that receive federal grants supporting energy sustainability or alternative transportation research may be eligible to have their awards matched at the state level. Grant recipients may be eligible to contract some services to the NextEnergy Authority (for example, statistical analysis and supply chain research.) Additional information is available from the NextEnergy website.
Energy Efficiency in State Buildings
Value:Varies
Michigan first established a mandatory renewable portfolio standard in 2008. The standard required at least 25% of the state's energy to be sourced from renewable means by 2015. The standard was part of a larger restructuring law which also established green construction standards for new state buildings, energy efficiency "best practices" for existing buildings, and a new agency to regulate wind power in the state. Additional information is available from the federal Energy Codes database.
Net Metering
Value:Varies
Private/municipal utilities and electric cooperatives in Michigan are required to offer "inflow-outflow" tariff program participation to new renewable energy and distributed generation customers. This program serves as the successor to traditional net metering, which is expected to be phased out in full by 2028. Under an inflow-outflow contract, customers are technically billed for all electricity they generate, including excess generation (EG) sent to the grid. Rather than paying for all generated energy, however, they will only owe the cost of their "nettable energy" in that cycle. Nettable energy is equal to total power generated at the standard billed cost minus EG at a different "credit rate." As with net metering, should generation exceed consumption, any remaining bill credits will be applied to subsequent cycles. Additional information is available from the Michigan state website.
City of Lansing - Green Power Purchasing Policy
Value:Varies
Lansing has established its own renewable portfolio standard goals. The city was required to source 20% of its energy from renewable means by 2020 and 50% by 2030. Additional measures set goals for reducing energy use by 10% in city buildings. Additional information is available from the Lansing municipal website.
Alternative-Energy Personal Property Tax Exemption
Value:Varies
The NextEnergy Zone is located on the Wayne State University Detroit campus. The area is a Renaissance Zone, allowing renewable energy companies and institutions who locate inside to receive certain tax incentives. Incentives specific to the NextEnergy Zone include property tax exemptions on renewable energy systems, alternative vehicles, and corporate belongings. Eligible property must be completely new to Michigan; real estate does not qualify for exemptions. Additional information is available through the NextEnergy Authority website.
Solar Contractor Licensing
Value:Varies
Special licenses are available for installation/repair contractors of solar thermal systems in Michigan. Certified HVAC contractors do not need a separate license to install solar devices. To obtain a solar thermal license, applicants should have three years of experience as a journeyman and pass an exam. A trade school diploma counts as one year of experience. There is currently no special licensure for solar photovoltaic contractors. Solar contractors of any specialty may need to subcontract certain plumbing or electrical work. Additional information is available through the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
Lean and Green Michigan PACE
Value:Varies
Lean and Green Michigan is a statewide property-assessed clean energy (PACE) program that offers special financing for energy efficiency improvements and equipment. Multi-family residential and commercial property owners alike may consult with PACE representatives to design a competitive loan with a private lending partner. Effectively, funding comes from the government; repayment will therefore take the form of a tax lien senior to the property's mortgage. Single-family homes are ineligible for PACE funding due to regulatory concerns from the FHFA. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cannot take ownership of a mortgage with an active PACE lien. Interested property owners should visit the Lean and Green Michigan website.
Renewable Energy Program Grants
Value:Varies
Funding for renewable energy grants and initiatives may be provided by the Michigan Energy Office. Grants support educational programs for local governments and businesses on renewable energy adoption. Communities may obtain personalized feasibility studies or examine prototype equipment. Additional information is available from the Michigan Agency for Energy website.
Renewable Energy Renaissance Zones
Value:Varies
"Renaissance Zones" are clearly designated locations in Michigan in which renewable energy developers may qualify for special tax incentives. Qualifying facilities will earn a 15-year property tax abatement and are exempt from state corporate, education, and income taxes, along with some local taxes. Eligible construction includes new solar, wind, or biomass facilities. Capital construction for institutions researching or manufacturing renewable energy products may also qualify for exemptions. Applications for Renaissance Zone incentives will consider potential economic impact. Additional information is available from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation website.
Are solar panels worth it in Ingham County, MI?
If you're planning to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, installing solar panels is a good decision in Ingham County. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Ingham County, MI, you might save $15,842.6 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at around 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Ingham County, MI
Beyond forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. As shown by many recent news reports, full reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
Yearly, customers in Ingham County have encountered approximately 0.88 utility outages.Yearly, customers in Ingham County have encountered approximately 0.88 utility outages. Usually, outages have an average duration of 125.64 minutes. However, during critical events like equipment failure, wildfires or vandalism, these times can extend dramatically.
View the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Ingham County.
Whether it includes a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could ease the burden of any future power interruptions you may experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Ingham County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Ingham County, MI?
Your Energy Needs - The initial investment for larger solar panel installations is greater, but the average price per watt drops as the system grows. Many consumers realize it's a great idea to set up a solar system that can produce enough power to fully cover their electric bill, because it helps them save more money.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels and mounting equipment are available in a range of makes and models. The potential brand preferences of your selected installer make it essential to choose a recommended company. For buyers desiring a better long-term experience, opting for higher quality makes and models is critical.
Solar Panel Type - For good reason why monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. These panels cost more but yield a higher energy efficiency. The majority of installers in the industry work with panels made from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Uneven ground, trees, or other challenges may add to the difficulty of the installation. Solar installers today frequently utilize satellite imagery to evaluate your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Employees receive varied wages from different companies, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. Usually, companies paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be impacted by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. Good installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Ingham County cities
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Ingham County, MI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of December, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Ingham County, MI is $3.77/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Ingham County, MI is estimated to cost $13,195.
In Michigan, you have access to 17 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Choosing to pay cash provides the most savings, but today there are many financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Information about financing options is typically included in initial quotes provided by installers.
Yes, homeowners in Ingham County, MI generally see a payback time of 9 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $15,842.6 over a 20-year period.